PhD scholarship opportunity in Arctic Studies, University of Groningen

We offer 1 PhD position in Arctic Studies. As a PhD candidate, you will be committed to conducting independent and original scientific research, and will be expected to disseminate this research in academic (international peer-reviewed publications and presentations) and non-academic forums.

PhD in Arctic Material Culture Studies:The successful applicant to this PhD position will carry out material culture analysis of one or more artifact assemblages from both Paleo- (ca. 2500 BC to AD 1400) and Neo-Inuit (ca. AD 1250 to present) archaeological sites in Arctic Canada. As such, she or he will be expected to spend a significant amount of time at museums in the Ottawa area of Canada examining a wide variety of artifact types (household, hunting and ornamental) composed of an array of raw materials (ivory, antler, bone, baleen, wood and a variety of minerals and metals).

In collaboration with the supervisor(s), the PhD student will devise appropriate research questions that will guide the analysis. Potential themes may include (but are not limited to) inter- and intra-cultural exchange, materiality and social identity, artisanship and symbolism. There is scope for expanding the research to include ethnoarchaeologcal fieldwork in Nunavut, Canada.

The project has the potential for true interdisciplinarity-integrating methodologies and theory from both archaeology, cultural anthropology and beyond. The thesis can be written in English, and may consist of a monograph or collection of related articles. The position will be based at the Arctic Centre and supervised by Prof. Peter Jordan and Dr. Sean Desjardins.

QualificationsWe are looking for talented and ambitious researchers in the relevant disciplines.• a master's degree in archaeology, anthropology or a related field, with an excellent academic record• proven research abilities and close affinity with the research topic• willingness to conduct fieldwork and collections-based research in the Netherlands and outside Europe• excellent command of English and proven academic writing skills.

Application Deadline: 13th May 2018 (23.59 hours at local Dutch time). Interviews: Late May / early June 2018 Start Date: negotiable (circa September 2018 would be ideal)

ConditionsThe University of Groningen offers one scholarship for a PhD candidate in Arctic Studies for a period of 4 years. Every year progress is assessed in order to ensure timely completion. The PhD student will participate in the Faculty's GSH training programme for PhD students (cf. https://www.rug.nl/(...)adschool-humanities/) and will draw up a personal training and supervision plan.

Part of the training consists of following the Career Perspectives curriculum, which aims to prepare students for their (academic or non-academic) careers after the PhD trajectory. Information about the PhD-training programme and scholarship can be found via:https://www.rug.nl/(...)holarship-programme/

ApplicationPlease send your entire application (in English) as a single PDF-file until the deadline of 13 May 11:59 pm / before 14 May 2018 Dutch local time, by means of the application form (click on 'Apply' below on the advertisement on the university website). Please upload your entire application as "letter of motivation attachment".

The submission should contain the following:1. A cover letter introducing yourself, describing your motivation and suitability for PhD research, and explaining how your planned research will be integrated with the Groningen Institute of Archaeology and contribute to its future success

2. A full CV demonstrating academic excellence, including publications and presentations (if applicable), and a copy of the data page of your passport

3. A certified copy or scan of your MA diploma (or equivalent) and academic record

4. A research proposal, focusing on the central research question to be addressed and the proposed method of approaching and answering this question (circa 2000 words, plus tables and references, a project title plus a timeline through to completion). See the guidelines in the following website: https://www.rug.nl/(...)for-phd-applications

Preferred start date: September 1, 2018 (may be adjusted subject to agreement)Interviews with shortlisted candidates are planned for late May / early June 2018.Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated.

OrganisationSince its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen has established an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative university offering high-quality teaching and research. Its 30,000 students are encouraged to develop their own individual talents through challenging study and career paths. The University of Groningen is an international center of knowledge: it belongs to the best research universities in Europe and is allied with prestigious partner universities and networks worldwide.

GIA (Groningen Institute of Archaeology) is a leading international research institute with a strong interdisciplinary research tradition in bioarchaeology, Mediterranean archaeology and post-glacial prehistory. The Groningen Institute of Archaeology GIA engages in fundamental archaeological research in Northwest Europe, the Mediterranean and the Polar Regions. GIA stimulates and integrates fundamental research on past human societies and their environments, from Palaeolithic hunter-gatherers to complex urban societies.

The Graduate School for the Humanities is the home for all PhD candidates of the Faculty of Arts (circa 200), and is committed to creating and maintaining excellent conditions for PhD research in all fields of the humanities. In addition to organizing local courses, the GSH works closely with 16 national research schools, which offer regular courses and seminars by top national and international researchers.